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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
operating off of a
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The part of the sentence "operating off of a" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is commonly used to describe a process or device that is running or functioning using a particular resource. For example, "The laptop was operating off of a solar power battery."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
But the New York Times has reported that she appeared to be operating off a set of talking points very similar to those of a senior Russian official, undercutting the idea that she was operating independently.
News & Media
Musa's rapid acceleration makes him particularly dangerous when operating off the shoulder of the last defender and he is rarely outstripped in a one-against-one sprint.
News & Media
Fishing vessels operating off the coasts of Florida and California and in the Gulf of Mexico routinely dump more fish overboard than they bring to shore, a new report said on Thursday.
News & Media
Vessels registered there have been illegally operating off the coasts of West Africa repeatedly.
News & Media
The Navy Advisory Board, confronted with the possibility of hostile ironclads operating off the American coast, began planning for a pair of ships to protect that coast in 1884.
Wiki
This is an important foundation: after all, the basic idea of an electrical relay was known in the 1820s, and the concept of a mechanical computer that operated off a stored set of instructions-a program-was understood a few years later.
News & Media
The station is run out of a tent, operates off a combination of wind and solar power and reaches the airwaves through an antenna attached to a large pole.
News & Media
The order came the week before Congress convenes hearings into the activities of banks operating off shore.
News & Media
The company operates off of a monthly subscription business, where shops typically pay $299 per month.
News & Media
Pumps may operate off of a direct-drive shaft, a reduction gear drive, a chain and sprocket drive, or a belt drive.
Wiki
The C&A's electric streetcars operated off of an overhead line system that was powered by the railroad's own power plant.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing systems or processes, use "operating off of a" to clearly indicate the foundational element or resource that enables their function.
Common error
Avoid using "operating off of a" when a simpler phrasing like "using a" or "based on a" suffices. Overusing the longer phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "operating off of a" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, often indicating the basis, method, or resource that enables an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.
Frequent in
News & Media
56%
Science
22%
Wiki
11%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Formal & Business
11%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "operating off of a" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the basis or mechanism by which something functions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts but also appears in scientific and wiki-based sources. While not extremely frequent, it is a useful phrase for clearly indicating the foundation or resource that enables a particular process or system. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and conciseness in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
relying on a
Focuses on the dependence aspect, omitting the operational connotation.
functioning using a
Highlights the way something operates using another thing.
based on a
Highlights the foundation upon which something is built or functions.
powered by a
Emphasizes the source of energy or drive.
working from a
Emphasizes the initial point or starting resource.
running on a
Implies continuous operation powered by a specific resource.
dependent on a
Focuses on the reliant nature, less on the active operation.
drawing from a
Suggests extracting or utilizing from a source.
employing a
Highlights the active use of a method or resource.
using a
A more generic term, applicable in various contexts where resources are used.
FAQs
How can I use "operating off of a" in a sentence?
You can use "operating off of a" to describe how something functions or relies on a particular resource or method. For example, "The company is operating off of a monthly subscription business model."
What's a simpler way to say "operating off of a"?
Alternatives include "relying on a", "based on a", or "using a", depending on the context.
Is it always necessary to use "operating off of a", or can I sometimes omit "of"?
While "operating off of a" is a valid construction, "operating off a" can sometimes be grammatically acceptable in more informal contexts. However, using "operating off of a" usually sounds better.
What is the difference between "operating off of a" and "working from a"?
"Operating off of a" emphasizes the functioning aspect, suggesting that something is actively running or being powered by a specific source. "Working from a" "working from a", on the other hand, emphasizes the starting point or initial resource from which actions originate.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested